Sneezing is one of the most common reflexes of our body. It is an involuntary reaction of our body to irritants, allergies or infections. Achoo! That sound we make while sneezing has intrigued scientists for many years. Let's take a look at the science behind sneezing.
The Process of Sneezing
When we inhale irritants like dust, pollen or smoke, the sensory nerves in our nasal cavity get activated. These nerves send a signal to the brain, which processes the information and triggers a response by sending signals to the muscles in the chest, diaphragm and abdomen. These muscles contract, increasing the pressure in our lungs and forcing air out through the nose and mouth. Thus, we sneeze.
The Purpose of Sneezing
Sneezing is a protective mechanism of our body. It helps to get rid of harmful irritants, bacteria and viruses from our respiratory system. When we sneeze, the irritants are expelled out of our body at a high velocity of around 100 miles per hour. This prevents them from settling in our respiratory tract, which could otherwise lead to infections, allergies or other respiratory problems.
The Risks of Suppressing a Sneezing
Sneezing is a natural process of our body and should not be suppressed. When we try to suppress a sneeze by blocking our nose or mouth, we increase the pressure in our respiratory system. This can lead to some serious consequences like rupturing of blood vessels in the brain, ears or eyes. It can also cause injury to our throat, respiratory tract or ear drum. Therefore, it is important to let the sneeze come out naturally.
In conclusion, sneezing is a natural reflex of our body that helps to protect us from harmful irritants and infections. It is important to understand the science behind sneezing to appreciate its significance and to take care of our respiratory health.